The Lowdown on Leaky Gut

Gut health seems to be a hot topic these days!  That said, with so much information out there it's hard to know what to trust.  That said, we're here to share the latest news from a reliable source - Tufts University.

First of all, what is leaky gut? Simply put it has to do with the permeability of your gut.  Your small intestine is lined with tiny fingerlike projections called "villi" which are necessary for nutrient absorption. These villi are lined with epithelial cells. So, if the gut becomes "leaky" that means that unwelcome molecules are able to pass right through the gaps between the epithelial cells to the underlying gut tissue (lamina propria). At that point, the molecules encounter immune cells that can start an inflammatory reaction. For example, people who suffer from celiac disease and wind up ingesting gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye) end up with a response from their gut due to something called "zonulin" being released. Zonulin is a protein that "helps regulate the junctions between the epithelial cells lining the inner wall of the small intestine." When zonulin activity is increased, as it would be in this case, gluten fragments would pass through the epithelial cell junctions of the gut's inner wall. 

Once particles that shouldn't pass through the gut's inner wall immune cells become engaged.  This happens because many immune cells are housed just beneath the inner wall of the small intestine. When someone with celiac disease eats something with gluten these immune cells wind up attacking the lining of the small intestine. Next, those immune cells could travel to other parts of the body causing inflammation along with other symptoms.

Right now, the causes of the conditions associated with celiac disease like asthma, irritable bowel disease, and rheumatoid arthritis are not clear. However, statements that have been declared about fixing leaky gut then fixes all diseases is an overstatement! More research needs to be conducted in this area. So, be on the lookout for practitioners (especially those without formal medical training) who claim to diagnose and treat "leaky gut".  You should know that outside of research studies there is no reliable or validated test to detect increased intestinal permeability.

Lastly, be wary against a one-sized-fits-all diet or treatment that claims to heal a leaky gut.  As we know, we are all unique individuals. Keep in mind the science behind improving gut health is in its beginning stages. So, if you feel like you have a leaky guy your best bet is start with your doctor. Stay tuned for updated information in this area!

Reference: Health & Nutrition Letter, Tufts University, November 2017, VOL. 35, NO.9, Special Report - The Lowdown on Leaky Gut (p,3).